Viral...?!?

Okay, so to conclude this, today lets us understand about the possible virus attacks that may hamper your identity and secrecy and safe ways to deal while using net banking…!

Viral Attack

The most common Trojan impacting bank customers in India is Zeus. This Trojan gets downloaded on a user PC when the user clicks on a link, opens an attachment from an unknown user or accesses a website which has the Trojan. Once installed in the user's PC, the Trojan waits for the user to open the bank's net banking site. As soon as the user opens the site, the Trojan starts collecting all the user information, including the user ID, password, and account details, etc and transmits it to a drop site manned by the fraudster. The fraudster is then able to use the compromised credentials to carry out fraud on the customer's account.

Use Virtual Keypad

While accessing net banking from public computers or internet cafes there is the risk of the customer's password being captured by malicious 'spyware' and 'Trojan programs' designed to capture keystrokes.

To mitigate such risks, banks have implemented the dynamic 'virtual key pad'. Virtual keypad is an online application, which substitutes the physical keyboard with a mouse. When you click on the virtual keyboard option at the time of net banking, the monitor flashes a keyboard on your screen. You have to use the mouse to click on the relevant keys to sign into your net banking ID.

Changing passwords often helps in protecting your account, especially after you may have inadvertently disclosed it to someone. Moreover, avoid passwords that could be obvious, like your spouse's or your pet's names. Alpha-numeric passwords, along with some special character like * or #, are the safest bet.

Lastly, whenever you have to submit sensitive information online you have to check if the site uses encryption to protect your personal data. The URL in the address bar should start with 'https: //' and not just 'http: //'. So the next time, do not get wary of online transactions. Just follow these security measures for a safe online banking experience.

Safe Way to Internet Transaction

Win32/Bancos and Zeus are among the most common banking malwares, known as Trojans, used to steal bank details to perpetrate fraud. Here is how you can prevent any damage.

WHAT TO DO

• Make net banking passwords difficult to guess, change them regularly.

• Before keying in sensitive information, ensure the site is running in a secure mode by looking for the padlock symbol at the bottom of the browser.

• Scan email attachments for viruses before opening them. When unsure about the source of an attachment, delete it.

• Tear or shred any old cheques or account statements before discarding them.

• Don't share your password or CVV details orally with banks. Bank never asks for confidential information like user ID, password, credit card number, CVV, etc, via mail, SMS or bank initiated phone calls.

• Customers should install a good anti-virus system on their PCs and ensure that it is updated regularly.

WHAT NOT TO DO

• Do not share passwords with anybody, including family members, friends or bank employees.

• Don't access bank website from a link provided in an email from any source. Instead, type the address of the bank website in the address bar of browser to access the bank account.

• Don't click on any link provided in emails; they may redirect users to a fake/phishing site.

• Never note down user ID, password on piece of paper, documents or phones for easy retrieval.

• Customers should also never use the 'remember password' feature provided by browsers to save their net banking passwords.

• Don't access net banking from cyber cafes. If you have to, use the virtual key board to key in details and ensure you log out of the system once you are done.

That's all about being smart at your Virtual Finances...!

Stay tuned and tomorrow we will enjoy a poem for relief and recharge...!